Close-up illustration of a hare with ectoparasites on its fur.

Creepy Crawlies on Hares: What You Need to Know About Ectoparasites

Theo Raines in Science & Nature September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the world of parasites that inhabit hares in Konya, Turkey, and learn how these tiny creatures impact wildlife and potentially, you."

Hares, like many wild animals, play host to a variety of ectoparasites. These external parasites, including lice, fleas, and ticks, can cause irritation, anemia, and transmit diseases. A recent study focused on identifying and documenting these ectoparasites on hares in the Konya Province of Turkey, providing valuable insights into the types of parasites present and their prevalence.

Ectoparasites aren't just a concern for animals; they can also affect humans. Many of these parasites are vectors of zoonotic pathogens, meaning they can transmit diseases between animals and humans. Understanding the types of ectoparasites present in a region and their hosts is crucial for monitoring and preventing the spread of potential health risks.

This study, conducted between 2003 and 2015, examined 75 hares for ectoparasites. The collected parasites were carefully identified using microscopic techniques, revealing a diverse range of species. Let's delve into the findings and explore what they tell us about the hidden world of parasites.

What Kinds of Parasites Were Found on the Hares?

Close-up illustration of a hare with ectoparasites on its fur.

The study revealed that 44% of the examined hares were infested with a total of 309 ectoparasites. These parasites belonged to several groups, each with its own characteristics and potential impact:

Lice (Phthiraptera): Four different species of lice were identified, including Haemodipsus lyriocephalus, H. setoni, H. leporis, and Menacanthus spp. These lice are blood-sucking insects that can cause irritation and anemia in their hosts.

Fleas (Siphonaptera): Two flea species, Pulex irritans (the common human flea) and Nosopsyllus fasciatus, were found. Fleas are known for their ability to transmit diseases, including plague.
Mites: Three mite species were identified: Cheyletiella parasitivorax, Dermanyssus gallinae (the poultry red mite), and Neotrombicula (N.) autumnalis (the harvest mite). Mites can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Ticks (Ixodida): Four genera of ticks were found: Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, and Dermacentor. Ticks are notorious for transmitting various diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. One species, Haemaphysalis parva, was specifically identified.

In addition to the identified species, thirteen ixodid tick larvae and two argasid tick larvae were found on the hares. These larvae represent immature stages of ticks, making it difficult to determine their exact species. Neotrombicula (N.) autumnalis, comprised a large portion of the ectoparasites collected from the hares, followed by H. lyriocephalus, Haemaphysalis spp., and P. irritans. Other genera and species were detected in small numbers.

Why is This Research Important?

This study provides valuable baseline data on the ectoparasites of hares in the Konya Province of Turkey. This information is crucial for monitoring the health of hare populations, understanding the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases, and developing effective strategies for parasite control. Further research is needed to investigate the seasonal dynamics of these parasites and their impact on hare populations in different regions of Turkey. Approximately half of the hares were found to be infested with ectoparasites. Further investigations are needed to fully understand ectoparasites in Konya and other parts of Turkey.

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Everything You Need To Know

What specific types of ectoparasites were identified on hares in the Konya Province of Turkey?

The study identified a variety of ectoparasites on hares in the Konya Province of Turkey, including four species of lice: Haemodipsus lyriocephalus, H. setoni, H. leporis, and Menacanthus spp. Two flea species, Pulex irritans and Nosopsyllus fasciatus, were also found, along with three mite species: Cheyletiella parasitivorax, Dermanyssus gallinae, and Neotrombicula (N.) autumnalis. Additionally, four genera of ticks were identified: Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, and Dermacentor, with Haemaphysalis parva specifically named. The immature forms of ixodid and argasid ticks were also present, making it difficult to identify the species. Further research may be needed to identify the ectoparasites in other regions.

How can ectoparasites found on hares potentially affect human health?

Ectoparasites, such as fleas and ticks, can act as vectors for zoonotic pathogens, meaning they can transmit diseases from animals to humans. For example, Pulex irritans, can transmit diseases. Ticks, from genera like Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, and Dermacentor are notorious for transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The study highlights the importance of understanding which ectoparasites are present in a region to monitor and prevent the spread of potential health risks to humans. Although mites such as Cheyletiella parasitivorax, Dermanyssus gallinae and Neotrombicula (N.) autumnalis cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, they may also carry pathogens.

Why is it important to conduct research on ectoparasites found on wildlife like hares?

Researching ectoparasites on wildlife, such as hares, provides crucial baseline data for monitoring the health of these animal populations. This information helps in understanding the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases, which can affect both animal and human health. By identifying the types of ectoparasites present and their prevalence, effective strategies for parasite control can be developed. In the Konya Province of Turkey, identifying Haemodipsus lyriocephalus, H. setoni, H. leporis, Menacanthus spp., Pulex irritans, Nosopsyllus fasciatus, Cheyletiella parasitivorax, Dermanyssus gallinae, Neotrombicula (N.) autumnalis, Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor, and Haemaphysalis parva helps with such strategies.

What are the implications of finding Neotrombicula (N.) autumnalis as one of the most prevalent ectoparasites on hares?

The prevalence of Neotrombicula (N.) autumnalis is significant because these harvest mites are known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in both animals and humans. The fact that they comprised a large portion of the ectoparasites collected suggests that hares in the Konya Province of Turkey are frequently exposed to these mites, potentially leading to discomfort and health issues. Further, their abundance suggests a potentially significant environmental reservoir, impacting other local wildlife and possibly humans. Control measures targeting Neotrombicula (N.) autumnalis might be warranted. However, the study did not assess the direct health impact on hares so further studies are needed.

What further research is needed to fully understand the role and impact of ectoparasites on hares in Turkey?

To fully understand the role and impact of ectoparasites on hares in Turkey, further research should investigate the seasonal dynamics of these parasites. This would help determine when hares are most at risk of infestation and which parasites are most prevalent during different times of the year. Additionally, research should explore the impact of these parasites on hare populations in different regions of Turkey, as environmental factors can influence parasite distribution and prevalence. Understanding the dynamics of Haemodipsus lyriocephalus, H. setoni, H. leporis, Menacanthus spp., Pulex irritans, Nosopsyllus fasciatus, Cheyletiella parasitivorax, Dermanyssus gallinae, Neotrombicula (N.) autumnalis, Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor, and Haemaphysalis parva are crucial for developing effective control measures.